Low voltage pyrotechnic igniter assembly

ABSTRACT

The electric pyrotechnic igniter of the present invention comprises a controlled power source providing low-voltage electricity to one or more remotely located, replaceable ignition elements which are housed in compression clips capable of holding the ignition elements into direct contact with firework fuses.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Not Applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

[0002] Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

[0003] Not Applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] 1. Field of the Invention

[0005] The present invention relates to an improved electric pyrotechnic igniter, and specifically, to a remotely controlled igniter for use with consumer class fireworks.

[0006] 2. Background of the Invention

[0007] Professional pyrotechnicians commonly utilize electric or electronic igniters for the ignition of fireworks. These professional fireworks ignition systems utilize circuitry with capacitance discharge to increase firing voltage from a low voltage source to a delivered output of between 200 and 500 volts. Once discharged, the igniter is required to recharge, much like the recharging of a disposable camera flash circuit. Discharging the igniter allows high voltage to be conducted to a quantity of firework-mounted ignition devices know as electric matches. The electric match is a short length of two insulated wires that are bridged with a short length of resistive wire coated with a volatile chemical. Manual replacement of the standard fuse with the electric match is required. Electrodes are connected to the electric match and the firework is ready for discharge. This has the advantage in professional shows of virtually instantaneous discharge of the firework for precision control of displays. The electric match is consumed with each use. These systems are typically expensive and are therefore used principally by professional pyrotechnicians. A similar low voltage device is available for ignition of model rocket engines but requires the same electric match preparation as described above.

[0008] The above mentioned capacitive discharge igniter is not suitable for use with consumer class fireworks from the standpoint of practical application, safety and expense. For example, the firework preparation is unnecessarily laborious and time consuming for a small consumer class firework display. Preparing the firework by drilling into it is a dangerous activity as is the shipping and handling of the flammable and toxic chemicals, involved with the electric match. The capacitive discharge circuit is capable of producing a painful shock in much the same way as a high voltage stun gun. Additionally, these ignition systems are prohibitively expensive and complicated for typical consumer use.

[0009] Although the previous art of fuse igniters such as U.S. Pat. No. 2,114,176 to H. C. Christ (1938) shows an igniter utilizing resistance wire, there is no means to readily replace the wire were it defective. It is common knowledge within the industry that when a fuse is consumed there is considerable residue of a waxy deposit that can coat the resistive element rendering it useless for repeated ignitions. Additionally, the means of bringing the igniter of Christ or the fuse igniter clamp of U.S. Pat. No. 2,003,483 to J. S. Frye (1935) into contact with the fuse causes the user to be near the ignited fuse. For explosives having extremely long fuses such as those associated with mining and demolition the proximity of the user to the fuse is not relevant. However, consumer class fireworks typically have a fuse length of only a few inches at best, so that using devices such as that of Christ or Frye would place the user in the dangerous area of detonation.

[0010] The only alternative available to the above described for the ignition of consumer class fireworks are the non-electric means that are commonly used, such as matches, lighters and stick incense, called punks, which can maintain a hot ember at their tip for a few minutes. These devices are difficult and sometimes impossible to use in breezy or damp weather and users can easily ignite the fuse closer to the firework than intended, substantially shortening the time to detonation. More importantly, they all require the user to be dangerously close to the firework's point of detonation. Each year the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Publishes a Fireworks annual report listing death and injury statistics, which indicates that about 10,000 people annually require emergency room visits due to fireworks related injuries.

Objects and Advantages

[0011] Accordingly, several objects and advantages of the present invention are:

[0012] a) to provide an igniter which would allow users of consumer class fireworks to ignite said fireworks from a safe distance;

[0013] b) to provide an igniter where the ignition point on the fuse and time of ignition are safely controlled;

[0014] c) to provide an igniter which requires no generation or use of dangerous high voltage;

[0015] d) to provide an igniter with a simple and easy method of connecting to a firework fuse;

[0016] e) to provide an igniter that allows repeated use of the ignition element;

[0017] f) to provide an igniter which will allow quick and easy replacement of a damaged or dirty ignition element;

[0018] g) to provide an igniter that will work in a variety of adverse weather conditions;

[0019] h) to provide an igniter that requires no volatile or dangerous chemicals for operation; and

[0020] i) to provide an igniter that requires no advance preparation of the firework for operation.

[0021] Further objects and advantages are to provide an igniter that requires no complicated or expensive circuitry, can be inexpensively manufactured, is reliable, is simple to use and is readily available to the general public. Still further objects and advantages will become apparent from a consideration of the ensuing description and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention accordingly has an object to provide a novel electric pyrotechnic igniter free from the disadvantages in the prior art.

[0023] Thus, the electric pyrotechnic igniter of the present invention comprises a controlled power source providing low-voltage electricity to one or more remotely located, replaceable ignition elements that are housed in clips capable of holding the ignition elements into direct contact with firework fuses.

DRAWINGS—FIGURES

[0024] In the drawings, closely related drawings have the same number but different alphabetic suffixes.

[0025]FIG. 1 shows the preferred embodiment of the entire assembly, as it would be in use.

[0026]FIG. 2 shows method of connecting clip to firework fuse.

[0027]FIG. 3 shows configuration of the power control unit.

[0028]FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of the clip.

[0029]FIGS. 5A to 5D show four possible configurations of the igniter element.

DRAWINGS—REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0030]10 power control unit housing

[0031]12 2-conductor wire

[0032]14 Clip

[0033]16 Firework

[0034]18 firework fuse

[0035]20 control point one

[0036]22 control point two

[0037]24 battery compartment

[0038]26 internal conductors

[0039]28 light switch

[0040]30 light

[0041]32 female power connector

[0042]34 upper body of clip

[0043]36 lower body of clip

[0044]38 Spring

[0045]40 Standoff

[0046]42 power conductors

[0047]44 igniter element seat

[0048]46 male power connector

[0049]48 pivot hinge

[0050]50 substrate

[0051]52 flat heating member

[0052]54 conductive tape

[0053]56 helical heating member

[0054]58 conductive rivets

[0055]60 zigzag heating member

[0056]62 conductive staples

[0057]64 thin film heating member

DETAILED DESCRIPTION—PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0058] Nothing in these figures is intended to suggest a single best embodiment or that other embodiments are not acceptable and workable. Other enhancements to the invention of this application are noted in the claims section but may not be identified here. Variations include but are not limited to; a power control unit capable of providing power to more than one clip/igniter element; the addition of a utility light on the housing or clip; and the addition of various lighting and/or sound generating components for use as decoration or entertainment.

[0059]FIG. 1

[0060] A preferred embodiment of the entire igniter assembly of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. The user holds the power control unit 10. When the safety switch 20 and the ignition switch 22 are simultaneously depressed power is conducted through the two-conductor wire 12 to the clip 14 where the firework 16 is detonated.

[0061]FIG. 2

[0062] The method of attaching the clip to the firework fuse is indicated where the user compresses the clip 14 and places it on the fuse 18 of the firework 16 where the clip 14 is then released and the connection is complete.

[0063]FIG. 3

[0064] For the construction of power switching to the female power conductor—The power control unit housing 10 encloses the battery compartment 24 that holds 4 AA batteries, supplying a total of 6 volts. All internal conductors 26 are insulated 18 gauge stranded wire. Internal conductor 26 is routed from the negative lead of the battery compartment 24 to a connector of the safety switch 20. Internal conductors connect the opposite conductor of the safety switch 20 to one lead of a 20 ft length of insulated, 18-gauge, 2-conductor wire 12 which terminates at the female power connector 32. Internal conductor 26 is routed from the positive lead of the battery compartment 24 to a connector of the ignition switch 22. Internal connector 26 connects the opposite terminal of the ignition switch 22 to the opposite lead of 2-conductor wire 12 so that a circuit is made with the batteries, the safety switch 20, the ignition switch 22 and the female power connector 32. This arrangement of switches will require that both safety switch 20 and ignition switch 22 be depressed in order provide power to the female power connector 32.

[0065] For the construction of a utility light 30 mounted in the power control unit 10—Internal conductor 26 is routed from the negative lead of the battery compartment 24 to a connector of the light switch 28. Internal conductor 26 is routed from the opposite lead of the light switch 28 to a connector of the light 30. Internal conductor 26 is routed from the opposite lead of the light 30 to the positive lead of the battery compartment 24 so that a circuit is made with the batteries, the light switch 28 and the light 30.

[0066]FIG. 4

[0067] For the construction of a clip (with leading edge of clip being the short edge nearest the compressive jaw)—the upper body 34 and the lower body 36 of the clip are constructed of nylon 6/6 VO, a heat resistive, non-conducting material. The overall dimensions of both upper 34 and lower 36 body are 2″ long by ⅛″ deep by ⅜″ wide. The upper body 34 is molded with a two-point pivot hinge 48 which mates with the corresponding pivot hinge 48 in the lower body 34. The pivot hinge 48 is located at the center of the length of the clip with each pivot point located adjacent to an edge. The standoff 40 is constructed of 26-gauge brass, {fraction (2/16)}″ wide and ½″ long, with each of the long ends turned down {fraction (3/32)}″ and serrated with {fraction (1/32)}″ deep teeth. The serrations are provided to prevent the pressure of the standoff 40 from extinguishing the ignited fuse. The standoff 40 is insert molded into the compressive jaw of the upper body 34 to a depth of {fraction (1/32)}″ so that two standoffs 40 {fraction (1/16)}″ long protrude from the surface of the jaw of the upper body 34 at {fraction (1/32)}″ and {fraction (7/32)}″ from the leading edge. Two conductors 42A and 42B are constructed of 26-gauge brass {fraction (1/16)}″ wide and 2{fraction (5/16)}″ long. Conductors 42A and 42B are insert molded {fraction (1/32)}″ deep into and parallel to the upper surface of the lower body 36 of the clip, each located {fraction (1/32)}″ from opposite adjacent edges. Each conductor 42A and 42B extends ¼″ out from the rear surface of the lower body 36 to form a mating male power connector 46 with the female power connector 32 of FIG. 3. Each conductor 42A and 42B is folded up 90-degrees to exit the lower body 36 ¼″ from the leading edge, where they are extended {fraction (1/16)}″ above the upper surface and are folded 100 degrees forward. Conductors 42A and 42B are also folded up 10 degrees at ⅛″ from termination at the leading edge of the lower body 36. This 100-degree fold with 10 degree opposite fold allows the conductors 42A and 42B to form a mating ignition element seat 44 with the ignition element.

[0068] FIGS. 5A-5D

[0069] For the construction of an ignition element—A rectangle of high temperature industrial gasket material measuring ¼″ wide by ⅜″ long by {fraction (1/16)}″ thick is provided as a structural substrate 50 for a variety of heating members and attachment devices.

[0070]FIG. 5A depicts a flat heating member 52 of {fraction (1/32)}″ wide 40 gauge Nichrome ribbon heating resistance metal, ⅜″ long centrally mounted traversing the long axis of the substrate 50. The attachment device shown is a {fraction (1/16)}″ wide 1″ long piece of copper conductive tape 54 with a conductive adhesive.

[0071]FIG. 5B depicts a helical heating member 56 of 32 gauge Nichrome wire 1½″ long coiled at a radius of {fraction (1/64)}″ producing 15 coils along the middle 1⅜″ of wire. The remaining two {fraction (1/16)}″ ends of the helical heating member 56 are attached to the substrate 50 with {fraction (1/16)}″ diameter conductive rivets 58 which penetrate and fasten to the substrate 50.

[0072]FIG. 5C depicts a zigzag heating-member 60 composed of a 1″ length of 30 gauge nichrome resistive heating wire with the middle ⅞″ being folded to create a zigzag pattern spanning a width of {fraction (1/16)}″, centrally traversing the long axis of the substrate 50. The remaining two {fraction (1/16)}″ ends of the zigzag heating member 60 are attached to the substrate 50 by two conductive staples 62 each ⅛″ wide which provide a firm positive connection to the zigzag heating member 60.

[0073]FIG. 5D depicts a thin film heating member 64 that is so manufactured to mate or otherwise connect to the substrate 50 due to it's own configuration, thereby not requiting an independent connecting device. The thin film heating member 64 is manufactured wide on each end such that the wide sections are folded around the long ends of the substrate and pressed into place to provide a secure connection to the substrate. The middle section of the thin film heating member 64 having a thickness and width to provide a point of ignition at the center of the upper surface of the substrate 50.

[0074] In all configurations noted above (FIGS. 5A to 5D), the ignition element is constructed to mate with the igniter element seat 44 of FIG. 4 and to provide sufficient heat to ignite common consumer class firework when energized with a power supply of 6 volts, given the associated resistances in the connecting wire. 

We claim: I. An igniter assembly, comprising: a low voltage power supply with associated control mechanism and housing for same, a compression clip with electrical connectors and seat for an ignition element, and a heat producing ignition element.
 2. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the power supply housing is of sufficient size to enclose the necessary power supply, power switching mechanisms, utility light and interconnecting conductors.
 3. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein an insulated electrical conductor or conductors are routed from the power supply to an electrical connection device or devices exterior to the power supply housing, and having such power controlled by associated control mechanisms.
 4. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body of the compression clip is constructed of non-flammable, non-conductive, rigid material and the compressive force of the clip is supplied by a spring or clamp or due to the physical properties and configuration of said clip, such that user force or action is required to overcome said compressive force to open the jaws of the clip.
 5. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the body of the clip incorporates a utility light and associated power supply and means to control same.
 6. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein two electrical conductors are insulated from each other and are attached to or otherwise mounted onto the body of the clip with said conductors initiating at mating electrical connections to the connectors described in claim 3 and terminating at a conductive seat.
 7. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein the conductive seat is located at the clip's jaw in the area of compression, with said seat providing both positive and negative electrical connection points for an ignition element.
 8. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the conductive seat provides a mating electrical connection with the igniter element such that said element is held to said seat by mechanical, magnetic or adhesive means.
 9. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein a standoff constructed of non-flammable material is mounted on the compressive face of the clip's jaw, opposite to the conductive seat, as a mechanism for directing the compressive force of the clip away from but adjacent to the heating member of the ignition element.
 10. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ignition element is composed of an area of resistive heating material as the heating member, a structural substrate of non-conductive, non-flammable material as a base for said heating member, and a means of attaching said heating member to said substrate.
 11. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the heating member is securely attached or mounted to the structural substrate of the ignition element by means of a conductive tape, adhesive, staple, rivet or by the configuration of the heating member itself.
 12. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the heating member is embedded in the structural substrate such that the substrate itself becomes the contact point of ignition.
 13. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the heating member of the ignition element is a configuration of wire, ribbon, film or membrane resistive heating material, and where such area and configuration is sufficient to produce a concentrated area of heat sufficient to ignite pyrotechnic fuse material of any of a variety of types when energized with the power supply of claim
 2. 14. The igniter assembly as claimed in claim 10, wherein the ignition element is constructed to mate with the conductive seat as described in claim 7, such that the heating member is in electrical contact with both positive and negative contact points of said seat and produce a completed electric circuit with the power supply of claim 2 when the switching device of claim 2 is activated. 